OTTAWA — Canada has updated its travel advisory for the United States, cautioning citizens with gender-neutral passports that they may encounter complications at the border.

As reported by CTV News, the advisory notes that while Canada issues passports with an “X” marker for non-binary citizens (those who don’t identify as strictly male or female), entry or transit through other countries – including the U.S. – is not guaranteed. Some governments and travel providers may not recognize “X” as a gender identifier, which could require travellers to select either “male” or “female” when booking or clearing customs.

“Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination,” the advisory said.

The uncertainty stems from U.S. federal rules on gender markers. When US. President Donald Trump took office, an executive order was signed that ended the use of gender-neutral identifiers on federal documents, including passports. The U.S. State Department subsequently stopped issuing travel documents with the “X” marker and halted changes to gender listings that did not match the sex assigned at birth.

In September, the Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to enforce a policy requiring male or female markers on passports to conform with birth certificates.

The implications extend beyond passports. Earlier this year, Nexus card holders who identify as non-binary or transgender were told they could no longer select the “X” gender marker.

According to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) spokesperson quoted by CTV News, Nexus card holders who had their card issued before the executive order took effect will not be impacted. Those applying for or renewing a membership can use a passport with the “X” marker but they will need to select “male” or “female” for their NEXUS membership.